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The Home Office’s annual report published today claims that the department has made real inroads into tackling problems within the asylum system, reduced crime and increased public confidence, writes Clare Jerrom.

The department heralds its success in reducing asylum applications by almost three quarters since the peak in October 2002.

Crime was down by more than 10 per cent in the 12 months to December 2004 and there was increased public confidence, especially among black and ethnic minorities, that justice will be done when a crime is committed.

Home Office permanent secretary Sir John Grieve said while big improvements in efficiency had been made, further work was needed to meet the expectations of the public.

“Our plans show how the reforms we have embarked on, including the establishment of the National Offender Management Service and the Serious Organised Crime Agency, will bring the level of crime and fear of crime down further,” he concluded.

Report from www.homeoffice.gov.uk